Met up with the Bender family for some extended family shots! The Bender's and I go way back.. I went to elementary, middle and high school with a few of their kids. The session was super special because they were documenting their family farm. They won't always live on their farm so they wanted to make sure to capture some images while they can. =) Always good to see you, Benders!

this tree was super meaningful to them.. glad we could get the entire family and the tree in the same frame!

parents with the kiddos.. these images don't happen very often after the last wedding so we snapped a few!

what a legacy your marriage, your family and this home have left, Deb and CJ! I know God has and will continue to bless your faithfulness to Him!!!

this wedding was a first for me.. it was a destination wedding! carrie and marc live close to me but wanted an intimate ceremony with their closest friends. when she did research they decided that they should take their love for the big city of chicago and make it apart of their wedding! I was honored they asked me to join in on the festivities.

we got pictures of carrie getting ready at a hotel and then drove around the city to get portraits of them done. then we finished at their ceremony and reception on a dinner boat cruise on The Mystic Blue!

First glances.. some of my most favorite parts of the day! Especially when you are 20-some floors up with a landscape of the Chicago skyline in the background!

nothing like standing in the median of a road in one of the biggest cities in america to grab some awesome-sauce images!

had to grab a few oo-la-la images at the bean. a chicago staple!

carrie asked to have as many images of her and her dad as possible. he suffered from a stroke a few months ago and it was scary for the entire family. carrie wanted as many precious moments captured with him as possible. I think we achieved that.

a wide open shot of the wedding!

marc's laugh is SERIOUSLY amazing. like one you want to record and have it be your ringtone amazing.

the captain invited them up to the bridge to steer the boat. he even completed their captain look with captain hats!

best part of this image? The two guys dancing are carrie and marc's pastors being hams! we all (including marc) thought it was a riot!

Andi and Kevin's wedding day was gorgeous and full of meaning. They had thought everything through and through and they were my first couple that didn't do a "first glance" and take their portraits before the wedding. Kevin's wish was not to see his bride until she walked down the isle.

Take a glance at some of my favorite images of their day!

You could say that their wedding party had a ton of personality!

It was super important to have Kevin's first view of Andi be when she walked down the isle. His reaction was beautiful, sincere and so sweet.

Now pronouncing husband and wife!

High fives down the isle? Always fun.

Their dances with their parents were simply amazing. So heartfelt and there wasn't a dry eye in the house!

Hand down Andi's grandma was THE best dancer. The best. =)

As always.. I'm honored you guys chose me! It was a beautiful day and I wish you the best of luck in your marriage!

well this extended family is just about as sweet and gorgeous as they come! Mike (grandpa) was one of my hubby's football coaches and the hubs also played with Mike's sons pictured here. I love it when families of all boys have all grand-daughters... and then vice versa. Just seems fun for grandma and grandpa. =)